About the State Heritage Register

The State Register of Heritage Places was established by the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 to ensure that places are recognised for their value and importance to the State, and to promote their conservation into the future.

The Register is managed by the Heritage Council of Western Australia with the assistance of the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.

Entry in the State Register means that any changes or works proposed for the place need to be referred, usually by the responsible loval government, to the Heritage Council for advice.

This does not mean a place cannot be adapted or changed to meet contemporary needs. The Heritage Council and the Department encourage sensitive development and new compatible uses of heritage places because this is the best way of assuring their future.

View the Heritage in Action photo galleries to see examples of heritage buildings that have been adapted to meet contemporary needs.

For more information on developing State Registered places, see our Frequently Asked Questions section or download the publication ‘Guide to Developing Heritage Places’.

The Department's Development and Incentives team can assist owners with feedback on ideas and advice on any proposed development.

Sensitive development that respects a place’s identified heritage significance will ensure that it keeps its property value, and in most cases, will increase its value.